Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Poor Reliability - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jon_z - April 23 - 9:49 am

  Just purchased my wifes Pilot about 5 months ago. Ride, handling and comfort are pretty good, but Honda reliability is not there. The radiator recently "failed" causing the coolant to be circulated into the transmission. Radiator/thermostat need to be replaced. The engine and transmission need to be flushed as well. So far this has cost us $1500. Im just waiting for the transmission to fail requiring a $3-4K replacement all because of a defective radiator! Would NOT buy this vehicle again. Honda also will not admit theres a problem with their radiators on these Pilots. This barge replaced a 1998 Odyssey which was a far better car.

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  Great Car,A Few Minor Complaints - 2012 Honda Fit
  By giantravis - April 22 - 12:04 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about 2 months now. I spent a lot of time on here and consumer reports before choosing the Fit. I was sold on the reliability history,cargo room, and mpg. The mpg is just ok for a car its size in the city. However, if your commuting and driving between 55 and 65 mph, you can probably get 40 mpg during those stretches. Ive averaged 30 mpg with about 60% hwy/40% city. A few small things bother me. No miles till empty reading, no outside temperature reading,and the cupholders are awkward underneath the console. Also, the body is soft like most Hondas and may ding easy. Other than that, good mpg,great handling(fun to drive) and most importantly has great reliablity record.

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  Great small Suv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By small3 - April 22 - 6:35 am

  I have had my 1999 Honda Suv for 6 years with no problems! It now has 343000 on the clock but still goes like a dream. The AWD for me is great. I have launched my boat in some really awkward places at Jozini dam but the car never let me down. We had a holiday at Pont D Outo this year and the car had no problems with the sand we didnt get stuck once!!! And those sand roads are bad.

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  MOST UNCOMFORTABLE CAR EVER - DONT BUY ! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By chris319 - April 20 - 12:10 pm

  We have owned this car for 3 Weeks and myself and my husband now both have back problems due to the drivers seat in the vehicle. It is complete torture to drive this car for more then 20 minutes at a time. When you test drive it for 5-10 minutes you will not notice it but if you drive it for 20 minutes+ you will soon realize just how bad the seat design for back support is as well as the awkward positioning of the headrest. We called the dealer within 24 hours to try & return but they were not of any assistance

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  Love my van but $$$ to keep up - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By asuitor - April 19 - 10:46 pm

  I absolutely love my van and so do my kids. Very luxurious and loaded! That being said cars that are loaded have to be kept up. Most of all the run flat PAX tires. Holy crap! $1500+ for new tires on a van! Oops Honda left that out on the sale!! DVD system is great! Heated seats are awesome etc

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  Transmission FAILURE - 2000 Honda Accord
  By abynum16 - April 19 - 3:44 pm

  I would say this is a reliable car but, its either its great or your transmission fail no in between. Transmission failure with a P0730 failure code. Failure with automatic transmission & gear shift. My father and I both had this problem with two different honda accords. I recommend that you do not buy this car because you dont know what youll end up with !

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  lovin the new 2012 Honda cr-v ex-l awd - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bbhondaguy - April 19 - 12:34 pm

  I am not affiliated with Honda, I just buy them. This Honda is stellar in every aspect. I traded in my 2008 crv lx, which I liked also, very good quality. This redsigned crossover is so nice and if you are thinking of buying one...go for it! If you can opt for the the ex-L I recommend going with this one. It will not disappoint. People that say Honda needs to put a 6 speed tranny and 6 cyl in these are nuts! This 4 cyl. has more HP than previous models and better gas mileage. Stellar performance and reliability is what consumers want and its what Honda delivers in all of the their vehicles. You cannot go wrong with the 2012 crv or any Honda new or used!

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  Great SUV, but underpowered - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jhesselbein - April 18 - 2:06 pm

  The 2012 CR-V has a lot to offer. Ergonomically, it is very practical - everything is within the drivers reach, including climate controls, radio controls (which are redundant on the steering wheel), bluetooth, etc. The instrument cluster is a fresh design and its fuel economy is certainly respectable for a small SUV (I average about 26-29 depending on type of driving: city v. highway). There is ample room in the rear seats for average-sixed adults. The powertrain operates very smoothly and the vehicle, overall, have a very car-like driving demeanor.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By hillaryous - April 18 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car used in July of 2011. It had one previous owner and 130,000 miles. Since Ive bought it I have put just over 10,000 miles on it. I have so much fun driving it. My sister drove it once and loved it too. Its very spacious. It is a little noisy but that just gives me a reason to turn the music up louder. Its great for roadtrips and just back and forth to school and work. I will drive this into the ground and then will probably buy a Pilot instead of another CR-V because I dont like that the newer models backends open up instead of out to the side plus I like the extra room.

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  Test the windows before you buy! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By spitfire562 - April 18 - 10:58 am

  The windows streak severely after having been washed or after car has been driven in the rain. Even up to two days later when the rest of the (garaged!) car is completely dry rolling the window down and back up will leave severe streak marks obstructing the view from that window and, consequently, the mirrors. Even though me and everybody else who has seen it disagrees and consider it a safety issue, my dealer says this is normal so PLEASE, if you have to use your windows a lot, check before you buy! Shame on Honda!